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Friday, January 30, 2009

This is a layout of my Sister Nina's one-eyed cat Vogue on a recent camping trip. Think she'll catch a fish? Perhaps she's gone away to avoid the earthquake that happened at home (just a tiny one) or maybe even she's embarrassed of Nina's sharing all her most intimate details that have been shared on my sister's blog. At any rate, here's Vogue where a cat is most happy, out of doors!

Nina had shared a photo of her cat in this little camouflage tent and I could not resist to make it into a layout.

Make sure you're ready to have a laugh if you visit Nina's blog as she reveals all Vogue's (funny name, right?) personal info! Nina, you have a gift to journal too, it appears! You have me entralled.

I made another layout for my friend Betty too, of her daughter, but forgot to ask permission to publish. Is it OK, Betty? If so, look for it coming next post!

First Skate!

It DID happen.

Ok, I can forgive all the miserable weather we've been having for at least now its COLD enough that the lake has frozen into a fun state of skate-able-ness. Oh, there are still swirlie patches of snow about, but I am able to navigate around the worst of them to be able to go along the shoreline. I was so HOPING this time would come - and its generally a brief few weeks window in the year.

My first skate was on Monday - it was sunny and I took my camera along. These are some of the photos I took in the magical frozen land of ice:

I'm thinking of someone today - someone who is hurting and perhaps lonely, afraid or angry. Someone who feels like there's NO hope. There is, my friend.

One who is there to intercede,One who helps you in your need;One who has a soothing power,Calming you in your darkest hour.One who shares your grief and pain,And when rebuffed, comes back again;One who knows your every mood,Does not condemn, does not intrude.One who shares your happinessAs well as sorrow and distress.One who's with you to the end.Won't you let Him be your friend?

I've been working out ever since the 'holidays' passed - a promise to get whipped into shape for my husband in time for our anniversary, coming up soon. I'm averaging anywhere from 60 - 90 mins of aroebic exersize a day, 5 days a week, and beginning to see results. Oh, I'm still a long ways from where I'd like to be, but its coming.

Some days are easier than others, but I'm always glad I put in the effort. I was talking about exersize with a friend the other day, and we were talking about the effort it takes, the dedication and the time factor. It occured to me that a perception people sometimes have is that it is EASIER for people who work out regularly than for beginners. Well, thats not entirely true, at least for me.

What IS true, is that once you've established a routine and wrassled your mind over body to accept that you ARE going to work out, like it or not, for a certain portion of your days - then you waste less time fighting with yourself, and it helps to just KNOW its part of your day. And then too, as you get STRONGER, and you realize you CAN do it, then you are simply more ABLE. You're not spending time just trying to convince yourself to go ahead.

But, there are NO shortcuts to a workout. They never not 'hurt' - if you are doing it correctly. If you don't sweat or push yourself or feel some sort of pull on your body then you are not truly getting a benefit to your system. Actually there's a reward in 'feeling it' - if there were not, then every single person would be walking around fit as a fiddle! Seems that most good things in life take a dedication and a working towards. Its the gift you recieve for being obedient and caring for this amazing human body God blessed us with!

Not only this, it allows you to be more energetic - to enjoy life, a longer life to be with those we love!

On my worst days - days when I have to talk myself into it - I realize there are people who CANNOT work out, that are physically unable to walk, run, work out. That in itself is a reason I should work out this body to be its best.

That, and the fact that my husband wants to take me to some place with a hot tub and wear a swimsuit for our anniversary. *wink*

And lastly I'll mention something about the time factor - its a huge chunk of valuable time out of already packed days - well, I put it to good use. I DO enjoy a bit of reading while I work out (using and elliptical trainer mostly) but I've put aside a portion of this time to read my bible and Praise the Lord. If you were outside my house during this time you might here me cry out and sing at the top of my lungs. Best I'm at home for I'd probably scare them all away at the gym!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Buhahahhahahahaa!

IT IS TODAY!!!! hahahhaha! Ok, I'm going for a looonnnng walk here, to clear my mind... I'll still leave the post I'd put up this a.m. (to show you WHY I need to go clear my head.) I shall repeat 100 times in my head ... IT IS the 28th itIS the 28th It is the 28th...

I messed up big-time everyone... haha, its ALL MY FAULT! Cicero, you needn't worry that your dear OLD Mither might not recall a happening from 50 years ago, for I'm so scatter-brained at my age (only 1/2 of hers!) that her memory seems BRILLIANT compared to mine these days. I'm talking about... being a certain little "bird" who hopped about letting folks know that its our dear friend Valinda's birthday ... TODAY.

Well, its actually TOMORROW. Ayeah.... (ducking at the shoes being thrown from South Africa and USA...) Well hay, folks, there's two GOOD things about this, perhaps three...

1. We did not forget Valinda's special day2. We DEFINATELY surprised her3. We can breath a sigh of satisfaction that its DONE!

You know what's funny? I chatted with my SIL Judy last night and we were TALKING about this and it did not "click" in my mind that the 28th was not TODAY till about 4 a.m. when I woke up with a big "OOPS" going on in my brain.

So... without further ado, I'm going to Join my dear friends to celebrate not only Valinda's birthday, but my daughter's and friend Bonnie's too! Happy Birthday TOMORROW to all of you!

It's your birthday, but we got the gift...a gentle, sweet, beautiful daughterwho is always a pleasure to be with.You glow with sensitivity and compassiongenerated from the depthsof your warm heart and and kind soul.A loving mom, a peacemaker,a woman full of the joy of life,that's you.Anyone who spends time with youis privileged to knowsuch an extraordinary person.You are a great joy in our lives.We love you and cherish you and treasure youand wish that every one of your birthdayswill be the happiest yet.

Dezrae, we wish you lived closer so we could celebrate with you, but you will be thought of. Hope you get royally spoiled (not Royale-ly cause if you read my last post you'll know what I mean) Have a fabulous day!

Bonnie, this is a wonderful opportunity to tell you how dear you are to me. I hope this year is one of being creative and discovering new talents and realizing your hopes and dreams. I'm so glad we DO live close enough that I can actually give you a real Birthday Hug ... tomorrow!

On your birthday,I’m thinking about how much light and sparkleyou freely dispense wherever you go,how your sunny smile lights up any gathering.Every birthday marks another yearof you radiating positive, happy energy,contagious happinessthat infects all who come in contact with you.May your next birthday find you the same--glowing from within,beaming bright joy on everyone you meet.I feel blessed to know you.

Valinda... YOU are the first person to visit and leave love at so many of our blogs. You ALWAYS have an encouraging word, you bring sunshine into all our lives. Its been a rare day when I would find myself AHEAD of you in a strip of comments on a blog. I count on you and have come to cherish and value each one! I'm looking forward to getting to know you more this year, to fellowship with you too.

I KNOW your family and Jim will spoil you, girl!

SOOOOOO.....

Even though I've been 'retired' from designing for a while now, I set aside a day to create a kit to give away to honour each of you. I hope you enjoy!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

There is not always a 'thaw' in January, nor do all spring-like days come in winter come in January. As the old-fashioned almanacs would put it, scattering the words down the page for January:

About - this – time – expect – several – warm – days.

Even if the 'about this time' were the last of February, the country people would regard it as 'our January that, only about a month late this year!'

The first of these warm days is often cloudy, and so misty and cloudy that the ground seems to steam. The snow that may have fallen two or three weeks ago is nearly melted. Then how slushy it is! - how 'disagreeable getting about' the older folks would say.

From St. Nicholas magazine, January 1904

Ohhh SO gray, gray - GRAY! I'm trying so hard to not let it get to me, but two weeks of THIS. Its bordering on ridiculous. I've always loved having SEASONS but I'm beginning to feel like a mushroom, I swear my skin is turning into paste! I still make myself get outside. I heard a broadcaster on CBC radio the other day and he was saying (not that I entirely agree with him) that great art is only made in anything other than happiness... so this depression SHOULD make me really artistically inclined. Well, it DID inspire me to write the following poem after yesterday's dreary walk:

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

“They” said, yesterday on the news, that yesterday is considered the 'most depressing' day of the year. I hear ya! The sun has not graced us with it's presence for several weeks now. I'm sure I'll need sunglasses the first time it chooses to shine on us. I keep begging my sister, Nina to send me some – from Victoria, no less. Now that seems so strange, as they are on the coast where its usually rainy. To date, nothings arrived.

I woke this morning from a dream that Mr. Miles and I were at some social gathering, very casual, and that Michelle Obama gave me a hug. We were talking about her children. Weird. Very strange – we don't even live in the USA. Perhaps it had something to do with my plan to watch the inauguration today. The inauguration was a moving thing to hear – I say hear because I only watched the swearing in on tv, but heard the rest of the ceremonies on CBC radio while I worked out.

Our daughter came home for a visit this past weekend and it was a wonderful time together. I'm sure you're hoping for a photo, but I left it late and she made me promise NO photos – she was not feeling photogenic. Oh, I've had those days too, so respected her wishes. I did though, ask her to send me some of her own cell phone photos, and thats the one I used in this layout which I made mostly with KimB's HeartyTarty Kit. What a FABULOUS kit!

Next time Melanie visits I'll have to take care of that taking pictures thing, first thing. She brought her boyfriend with her – our first time to meet him. He's very nice!

Our weekend was all about baking. I promised to show her the Artisan Bread recipe. Melanie has always loved to bake. We mixed up batches of dough and made buns, flatbreads and pizza. On Saturday night, the kids made us dessert, rich fattening dessert. Flakey fruit and chocolate filled puff-pastry turnovers served with ice cream. Of COURSE she went home with a bucket of dough which was nicely risen by the time they got there.

I did not mention that last week I went 'across the line' at the invitation from my friend Angie to do some grocery shopping. We live RIGHT on the USA/Canada border and so have the luxury to hop over whenever the urge hits. With our dollar down, its not so much of a deal as it has been at past times, but there is always something different to buy. Cheese always works out less, for sure. My favorite place to stop is a little gas station/grocery which is supplied by deli's which are only stateside so I always find some unique things. These are some of the items I bought to play with this trip:

This spaghetti, which is sold in the USA at a Trader Joes store, is looooong! I'm hankering to go to one of those stores, now. Have any of you been to one?

These noodles are hollow - like very long kraft dinner noodles, though I am sure they are better quality, being made from hard durum seminola!

Sorry for the poor quality of the photos - my camera does not do well in low light. This orzo should be a colorful addition to soups - organic to boot!

And some buckwheat. I've never really cooked with it before. Any suggestions?

This Sap Sago cheese is VERY interesting. It's produced only one place in the world. I love the story, the shape and the very bold and distinctive flavor. I've already found several ways to use it. You can read an article about it HERE at Wikipedia.

Then, as I was surfing around on the internet to find more recipes for it, I came across this incredible recipe site. I think you will agree that the photography is just stunning – and the recipes extremely innovative and interesting! My friend Gina and I spent an afternoon drooling over our screens together. And I did make the Scandinavian Sour Cream Apple Pie, only I did not put a crust on it at all, and I substituted vanilla yogurt for the sour cream. Mr. Miles gave it thumbs up.

Did you see this lovely LOVELY poem and layout my sister-in-law Judy posted for me on her blog over the weekend? Well, in case you didn't, here's her layout with it in. I was so moved! Judy has a post up today of the thoughtful and sweet parcel she recieved from KimB in South Africa. That Kim, she's got it all tied up in the giving department. I do believe her middle name is generosity! Judy also has some pretty photos of dragonflies she took this past summer. Oh * groan * don't say summer, please, unless you send sunshine.

And here's a pretty layout made by my friend Victoria, who lives in Florida. She asked if she might use one of my frosty photos for a layout, seeing as she does not have such a thing down there. I think your layout is lovely and thanks for sharing!

Treasure Box fit for a queen

I recieved a gift at Church this past Sunday – a beeeee-youuuuu-teeee-ful treasure. I'd no more seated myself when I was approached by my little 6 year old friend Asia who was bearing a wrapped gift for me. She insisted I open it right then and there – to reveal this hand-decorated treasure box. Ohhh, so pretty! I've got some special things which shall be stored in here! Don't you just love little presents crafted by little hands? Priceless, I say!

♥♥♥♥♥

A few posts ago I bragged on my friend Penny Buhr Johnson, on the release of her second CD. Unfortunately her CD was not quite set up at CD baby for sale just yet, but it is now. You can visit Penny's website by clicking HERE and follow the links which will allow you to hear cuts of her new album as well as purchase it too!

Our good blogger friend Valinda is home after a week away - and she's got a gift for you on her website I won't spoil the surprize, but go on over and welcome her home, won't you? Just click HERE.

Here's an entertaining time-waster of a website for you. Don't blame me if you don't get your housework done today, ok? Its called Drawminos!

And finally, I decided to make a 'little sumfing' for YOU. I had this small wreath thing laying about. It used to be around the base of a candle, but the candle got used up. Before sending this to the thrift shop or trash... I decided it would make a neat photo frame. I think it worked quite well. I'll post another version in a day or two. I'd love to see how you use this – just send me a jpg of your layout and I'll post it.

Ohhhh and as I'm wrapping this up - this loooong long post, I recall Shirley emailing me to say she's awarded me .... I'll have to slip on over to her place and see whats in store for me. THANK YOU Shirley, in advance.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Osoyoos Lake looks like a big slice of Swiss cheese, with the black 'holes' of ice showing through the snow. And it occurred to me, it now looks similar to another local lake, Spotted lake. Spotted lake gets its appearance from the mineral pockets though. Our lake changes every day - as does the weather.

Spotted Lake

This all makes me think of a poem I just found, about the ever changing weather, though the poem was made about the weather in England.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Kind hearts are the garden,

Kind thoughts are the roots;

Kind words are the blossoms,

Kind deeds are the fruits.

I am just blown away – I received not one, not two but THREE blog awards yesterday. How could a person have a bad day, even if it is was a Monday, when she recieved these awards? DO tell. Each one touches me deeply. I don't do lotteries, but I imagine if I did I could not feel any more 'rich' should I win a windfall of money. No, I think this is much, much finer than this.

This FIRST award was given to me by my friend Sherry. Thank you so much, Sherry. I'd promised Sherry wayyyy back when the Sophia Sarducci Shoppe closed that when I got back into designing that I would come and work at her store, Digital Designers Den. I'd thought I'd be back at it this month, but I must confess – I don't know whether its the blah weather, or just holiday-lag, but I just don't feel so creative at all! I'm picking away at some small ideas and I suspect one day its going to come flooding out – then watch out y'all!

I've also been thinking, if I get REALLY creative, there is another shop that I would ALSO be very proud and eager to sell at, so I will keep you posted. I feel SO loved and appreciated by my designing friends. Each one of you has been a huge inspiration and encouragement to me, and its not easy trying to pick where I'll sell. You all might be the reason I come back and design up a storm, you know? Just to hang with you!

Anyways, Sherry's award comes with the hope that I'll share seven random things about myself and then to share my blog with seven others. Hmmm, well I usually shirk away from all this but hay, if you are sweet enough to reward me I'll take a stab at it.

Random Me things:

I sometimes put potato chips on my sandwhiches when I don't have any lettuce, to get that satisfying c.r.u.n.c.h.

I can't sleep if the closet door is open, can't sit if a cupboard door is open.

I can spell missisipi londonderry by memory – from some school lesson learned all those years ago, probably like grade 5 or something. Go figure what your brain will remember. What good would something like this ever do me? I ask you that?

I can write backwards with ease.

Sometimes I like to wear polar fleece shirts inside out, and socks too (hay, whats with that, anyways, they always make the outside softer than the inside)

I love to rake and sweep. I could do it all day long.

I hum my own little anonymus tune when I'm really REALLY happy, like when my husband is nearby. I'm hoping one day he will put my little hum to music :)

My award is passed to:

Judy – I love your blog, Sister-in-Law because you fill it with all our family. I love your many photos and slideshows of my brother and the up and coming grandkids. You always have encouragement and pretty poems and your wonderful layouts. Coming to your blog is like having a visit with you. I'm so glad you keep it up. I'm always touched that you use my Scrapbooking products and elements and promote me. I hope I make you proud.

Nina – I love your blog, Little Sister, because I get to see this creative side of you. I'm still amazed when I see each one. I love your sense of design, how you put your elements and papers together. You have such a good artistic style! I love that we share blog hops now, and its another way we can connect each day. You're my one and only, real life sister and now we are blog-buddies too.

Shirley – I bet each one of you reading this here today, have had a visit at some time from Shirley. Shirley is such a loyal visitor and friend, and a rare one who I notice will visit any links when we ask for prayer or encouragment for someone. I see she always follows it up and not only visits but leaves a comment. It touches me to see you do this, Shirley. You've earned a special place in my heart!

Sharon - Sharon, I'm not picking on you, but your blog does not get updated much – I keep visiting to find out more about YOU, for I sense you are such a kind, sweet person. I KNOW why your blog does not get much attention, for you are always “out of the house” so to speak, meaning you are at all our blogs, giving us your time and attention. You are true to leave us some love each time, and your words and visits mean a lot to me. Thank you so much.

Victoria – You came to ME when I was working at Sophia Sarducci and you asked me if you could be my CT (creative team for those of you who don't scrapbook) I'd always loved you coming by, but you can't know how that tickled me. I always wanted a CT, but had NO idea how one went about having, or treating one. What was expected etc. You took it on and showed me what was what. You promoted me on your own time. Thanks for this, and when I design again I'd be honored for you to do this again!

The SECOND award is from my smart, funny and faithful friend Betty, who lives in Paraguay. Betty and I have come to know each other well over the past year – partly because I pester her with a bazillion questions and she’s kind enough to answer. We’ve also begun to pray for our children together. I love that we do this together, Betty. Betty is going through some trails right now with both her parents. I’m sure if the ONE thing you did today, was stop by Betty’s blog and leave her some encouragement, well, that could be your ‘good deed’ for the day, the thing that would make a difference to HER.

I’m rewarding Betty’s award to:

Gina – Gina and I have been blog friends, and real, I've seen you live friends, for the longest of any of my blog friends. She and I have history, which says much. Gina is so much more than a blog friend, she's a constant inspiration to me. She's a modern day pioneer who takes whatever life throws her and never lets her circumstances crush her. She's an example to me of a Godly friend who's outlook and motivation come from her Christian walk. She's witty, she's faithful, trustworthy and she's 12 feet tall in my eyes. Thank you, dear friend for always being here for me.

Valinda – Valinda, you and I have also been blog friends for ages, and you have been my most faithful blog friend with your daily visits and good words. You and I too, have become friends who pray for each other, friends who communicate not only on our blogs, but we share our lives and friendship offline too. I count each encounter with you as a jewel in my day.

Ariela – I consider your blog (Baking and Books) best as well because its always packed with such great recipes, advice and bits of you. You're a wealth of information and inspiration and I'm sure my day is richer each time I visit with you. I've only been a visitor over the past few months but I already have learned so much. Your blog is delicious!

Elizabeth – What makes me include your blog (Just Us) is how you always include your husband in it. Its very evident you have a wonderful, close marriage and family. I love how your blog shines with the joy of FAMILY. Your blog is a like a beacon of goodness in a very 'me' world. Thank you for allowing us to share in your life, through your blog. Oh, and your photography is wonderful too!

Cicero Sings – Cis, your blog is a little slice of BC. You allow us to sojourn in your stunning corner of this beautiful province, and educate us on the local flora and fauna. Your photography is stunning and your baking makes my mouth water each time I visit. I always bring a cup of coffee to my blog-read at your site, for I know I'll be staying and 'chewing' on your good posts! I've truly enjoyed getting to meet and know you and look forward to 2009 as a year our freindship is enriched even further!

My THIRD award comes to me from my friend Alicia. Alicia is my snowflake friend, that is, she’s like finding a snowflake in the middle of summer. She’s refreshing and a Godly woman and her posts are always an inspiration to me. She’s a reminder to me always, of God’s grace. Her words are always good Spiritual fodder for me to chew on all day long. She’s also got a great sense of humour and I love her “It was not me” posts on... I think its Mondays. THANK YOU Alicia, for your award, and your visits and prayers!

Alicia’s award comes with the request that I tell you five things I’m addicted to, and to pass this award on to five people. My five are:

Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day – yes, highly addicted. I just can't stop making it. Its too easy and simple and there are countless ways to make the stuff. I could not imagine what I did before I found this.

Cleaning rags – I keep rags in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room. I grab one and do a quick wipe down of things and they get tossed in the washer. They make my life so much easier, wipe and done! No big cleaning days anymore.

KimB – your blog IS fabulous! Your blog is always a treat for the eyes with all your marvelous photography and chic designs. You haul us around on your little 'adventures' and what truly shines through your blog is your SMILE – it beams out from your little corner of the internet. You have a heart as big as all (since I don't know South Africa at all I have to use the good old USA) ... well as big as all Texas. I love ya, my SA girlfriend! You truly have no idea at all how your kind heart and generosity are overwhelming. You cause me to want to be better. You put your love into action. Our friendship is a FIRM ROCK on which I count on. Always!

Louise - You just popped up in my blog comments one day and became an instant freind. You're SO creative and have taken not only some of my designs, but others as well and transformed them into amazing hybrid projects. You're a great designer in your own right as well and I'm always curious to come by and see what you'll be making next. I have a strong suspicion you could make something beautiful out of ANYTHING.

JanMary – Another prayer friend, we continually place our needs with each other. I love JanMary's descriptions and passion for her homeland. You're so multi-talented it would be hard to put a shine on just one thing. You give us all a sense of what life in Ireland is like, and what your traditions are, and good craft ideas. You have a lovely family and we are treated to your capturing them on 'film' and then get to see how you create your powerful digital layouts. I'm always looking forward to a visit to your place!

Bunny – You make me LAUGH. You always have some quirky funny thing on your blog. You are a square peg in a round hole – meaning you are completely unique and creative. Don't change one thing about yourself.

Amy – somehow you got so busy you almost slipped off everyone's radar – but not possible, girlfriend! You were just off edjikatin yerself and being busy with raising your sweet little Emma. You still came out now and again to offer some pretty designs and promote others too. I sorely have missed you while you've been off getting 'booksmart'. Thank you for all you do, and not forgetting us.

Linda – You're so full of energy you would put the Energizer Bunny to SHAME! You're always cooking up something new and fun and you squeeze every single drop out of life. You're generous to a fault and you keep us amused with even your tales of computer woes! You are a wonderful encourager to all. Thank you for being my friend.

Soooo - now I think I've fulfilled my award requirements.... LOL, I bet nobody is going to award me for a looong time now, for fear I'll send it BACK haha! Actually, I've really enjoyed this as its given me an opportunity to ponder on what wonderful friends I've been blessed with and been able to express and share this.